MACS Installs 2004 Board and Officers
New officers and board members were sworn in during the MACS annual membership meeting Jan. 24. Serving as officers in 2004 are: Chairman — Michael Deese, Santech Industries, Ft. Worth, Texas; Vice Chairman — Gus Swensen, Cool Car Auto Air, Columbus, Ga.; Treasurer — Andy Fiffick, Rad-Air Complete Car Care in Garfield Heights, Ohio; and Secretary — Kevin Burton, Four Seasons, Lewisville, Texas.
Automechanika Exhibit Space Selling Out
With strong early sales of space in the U.S. Pavilions at Automechanika, Sept. 14-19, especially in Hall 1 (parts and components) and Hall 8 (garage, tools and equipment), interested firms should call the pavilion organizer soon to reserve space.
NASTF to Meet March 8 in Detroit
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) will meet March 8 in conjunction with the SAE Congress in Detroit, Mich. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. NASTF meets semi-annually with committees meeting throughout the year.
Taking Action on AHPs
The Association Health Plan (AHP) Coalition, made up of more than 150 associations including AAIA, is getting geared up for its second session. In order to raise the visibility of Association Health Plans in the Senate, a letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), copying members of the Senate Uninsured Taskforce, asking him to include AHPs in any uninsured legislation he introduces.
Commemorative Issue of FOCUS Marks MEMA’s 100th Anniversary
MEMA is teaming with Babcox Publications to publish a special commemorative issue of its quarterly magazine, Focus, in June 2004 to mark the association’s 100th anniversary. This special edition will be a collector’s item, produced in “coffee-table” quality. The magazine will commemorate the past 100 years of contributions that suppliers and individuals have made to the original equipment, aftermarket and heavy duty industries, a historic timeline and many historic photos from MEMA and its member companies.
Three More Speakers Added to Manufacturers’ Rep Conference
Three more manufacturers have agreed to participate on the Town Hall Panel taking place at the Manufacturers’ Rep Conference on May 16-17 in Chicago, Ill. Larry Easterlin of Technical Chemical Co., Mike Mayer of Master Lock Co.; and Charlie Walker from Gates Rubber/Stant will discuss pressing issues, along with Bill Lorenz from Siskel Sales Co. and Bob Knight from PSKB Inc.
Industry Standards for Aftermarket Data to Be Held March 15-16
The Industry Standards for Aftermarket Data seminar will be held at the Hilton Austin Airport, Austin, Texas on March 15-16, 2004. It will be hosted by Activant Solutions (formerly CCITriad).
GAAS Fund Organizers Announce $50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge
An anonymous donor has issued a $50,000 fund raising challenge for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship program, awarded to students planning aftermarket careers. The “$50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge” was initiated after the donor committed to donate up to $10,000 to the Global Scholarship fund in 2004 and will match 25 percent of all other donations to the fund up to a matching amount of $10,000. The challenge campaign aims to net the fund a total of $50,000 in donations. Delphi Corp. has made the first challenge donation of $3,000.
SEMA Chairman Named 2004 Meguiar’s Award Recipient
Corky Coker of Coker Tire, chairman of SEMA’s board of directors, was chosen as the 2004 Meguiar’s Award recipient by the Meguiar’s Award Selection Committee. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the collector-car hobby. Past recipients include: Steve Earle, founder of the Historic Sports Car Racing Association; Robert Petersen, founder of Motor Trend and Hot Rod magazines; and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno.
Save the Date: MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit – Advancing American Manufacturing, May 5-6
MEMA and its market segment associations – AASA, HDMA and OESA – will host the inaugural “MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing” on Thursday and Friday, May 5-6 in Washington, DC. The Summit has been created to raise awareness among Washington policymakers of the supplier industry’s many contributions to the nation’s economy. MEMA intends to bring members to Washington, DC, to collectively share their priorities and concerns with members of Congress and the Bush administration. While in Washington, they will discuss best practices in government affairs for our industry, and provide updates and dialogue on legislative, regulatory and political developments from senior administration officials, members of Congress and other experts.
Deadline for 2004 GAAS Scholarship Is March 31; Applications Available Online
The deadline to apply for a Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship – awarded to students planning an aftermarket career – is Wednesday, March 31. The scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools and four-year college programs.
Greg Potter Named 2004 ETI President
Greg Potter of Chief Automotive Systems has been elected 2004 president of the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI).